In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
What is Donepezil used for? What is its composition and are there any contraindications to its use? Donepezil are coated tablets that act on the nervous system. The main task of the drug is to improve cognitive abilities. The main substance of the drug is donepezil hydrochloride. Can the drug be taken by everyone?
Donepezil is a film-coated tablet that acts on the neurological system. It is available in packs of 28 tablets with a value of 5 or 10 mg. The active substance is donepezil hydrochloride. What is the main use of the drug? Can it cause side effects and can everyone take it?
Donepezil – action
How does the drug work? What is its main use? First of all, the drug is designed to treat the symptoms of any form of dementia in Alzheimer’s disease. Donepezil improves cognition. Donepezil has been tested for tests not only to assess cognitive abilities, but also to assess the ability to function in the social environment, assess interests, take care of yourself, as well as assess general adaptation. The drug has not been tested to alter the neuropathological basis.
The dosage and its frequency is determined by the attending physician, it is also worth reading the package leaflet. The agent can be taken regardless of meals, because food has no effect on the absorption process. Donepezil is absorbed approximately 4 hours after administration, when the substances reach the highest concentration in plasma. The full effect of the drug will last for about 3 weeks. In about 60 percent. it is excreted in the urine in the form of metabolites, but also unchanged. About 15 percent. doses of the drug are excreted in the faeces. The most important thing is that the drug is 95 percent. combines with the protein plasma.
Donepezil – side effects and contraindications
Of course, as with any drug, there are also contraindications to its use. The main contraindication is hypersensitivity or allergy to any of the ingredients of the preparation. The drug should not be administered to patients with other states of dementia or memory impairment, as there have been no appropriate studies and clinical tests in this direction. It is very important to be especially careful in patients diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease of the duodenum or stomach, bladder dysfunction, seizures or supraventricular conduction disturbances.
Undesirable side effects may occur with prolonged use of the preparation:
- stimulation
- hallucinations
- nausea, vomiting
- aggressive behavior
- eating disorder
- frequent colds
- muscle cramps
- insomnia
- dizziness
- urinary incontinence
- slow heart rate
- gastrointestinal hemorrhage
- sinoatrial block
- stomach ulcer
- liver disorders
Donepezil should not be given to children or people who have hereditary intolerance to galactose. There is a slight risk of impaired concentration, therefore, do not drive or operate large machinery. Donepezil can make you tired and sleepy, so your doctor should assess the risks, for example, on longer journeys. Any disturbing symptoms should be consulted with a specialist who may order a complete discontinuation of the drug, a reduction in doses or the introduction of a replacement drug.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.